Penalties for Domestic Violence in Miami, FL
Miami Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
The penalties for a domestic violence conviction in Miami, Florida may vary depending on the particular offense and the defendant's prior criminal history. Imprisonment, fines, and mandatory counseling are a few of the major penalties that may be imposed. For repeat offenders, the sentencing is enhanced and mandatory minimum penalties are often enforced. In addition to the immediate penalties associated with a Miami domestic violence conviction, however, the defendant will also have to live with a conviction on his or her criminal record. This may lead to a ruined career and reputation and limited opportunities in employment, education, housing and finance. In all, the consequences of a domestic violence, spousal abuse or child abuse conviction are varied and serious.
A primary reason to involve a competent defense lawyer in the face of domestic battery charges is the penalties that you may face if you are convicted. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Mandatory minimum of 5 days in jail (maximum sentences are much higher)
- Fines
- Probation
- 26 to 29 week Batterers Intervention Program
- A conviction that will remain on your criminal record for life, which is ineligible to be sealed or expunged
- Loss of the right to own a firearm while on probation
- Loss of concealed weapons permit
Avoid Serious Penalties: Involve a Domestic Violence Attorney
In addition to assisting you in working to avoid a conviction in criminal court, your attorney can also represent your interests in the face of a restraining order that has been filed against you and can help with issues involving child custody and visitation rights. Considering the serious nature of any domestic violence charge or allegation, it is all the more important to involve a lawyer immediately.
Contact a Miami Domestic Violence Attorney at our firm to learn more about how you can avoid serious penalties. |